Vasilopita, or cutting of the cake was done after the 5pm mass at the St. John the Baptist Parish in Psychico, Athens. The cutting of the cake is a New Year tradition in Greece in honor of St. Basil. A coin is baked into the cake and whoever gets the slice with the coin in it is believed to be blessed for the year.
Fr. Alberto Paima cut the cake. The slices were distributed to us who were present. Unfortunately, nobody got the coin.
Also present during the event were the sisters of the Servant of the Lord and the Virgin Matara.
No coin there...Well, maybe next year!
A few days after our arrival in Athens, my friend presided over the meeting of the Filipino community (Filcom) in Greece. This was their first meeting for this year to discuss plans and other relevant matters. The new Ambassador as well as the Labor Attache were also present.The meeting was attended by officers and representatives of the 38 Filipino groups registered with the embassy.
There are around 5,600 Filipinos in Greece, according to the Greek National Statistics Office (2006).And there are about 40,000 Filipino seafarers serving in various Greek ships.
My diplomat friend told me to attend the meeting to familiarize myself with the programs of the embassy for the Filcom. It was also an oppurtune time for me to get to know the officers and other members. As a government employee for 29 years, I also joined similar meetings with other government agencies. I was also the president of our employees association for 3 years. That is why joining Filcom is an activity which is near to my heart.
Those present participated actively in the discussions. And the questions and issues presented were favorably addressed by the Ambassador, the Labor Attache and my friend.The meeting lasted for about two hours after which a simple merienda was served.
The next meeting will be in February.
It's been awhile since my last post. Now we are back in Athens...winter, cold winter nights and days. Having lived in a hot climate i dont exactly welcome winter. It's the season I am not comfortable in. But I have to learn to adjust because we will be having 4 more winters until we finally leave Greece. I am sure I will be able to enjoy the cold, the rains and the snow. Mind over matter.
Chinese New Year is 3 days from today. I wonder how it is celebrated here in Athens. I have to look for Chinese restaurants nearby. So far we have eaten at Far East resto at Psychico,serving a fusion of good Chinese, Korean and Japanese food.
Welcome friends, fellow bloggers! Welcome the New Year!!!
